Volusia County, FL – The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of scammers after a man called several residents on Wednesday, claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office, and conned them out of hundreds of dollars.

According to VCSO, the caller told residents there was a warrant out for their arrest then threatened to arrest them if they didn’t pay. One DeLand man was reportedly scammed out of $1,500. His case is being handled by the DeLand Police Department.

The caller tells victims to go to Winn-Dixie to buy a MoneyPak. Once they have it, the victim is told to scratch off the card to reveal a code, which they give to the scammer – that’s how the victim’s money gets taken. The MoneyPak even has a warning on the label that says “Be aware of scams. Only send money to someone you know and trust.”

Sheriff Mike Chitwood has issued a stern warning to residents: “Let me say this clearly. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office does NOT solicit funds. Never have. Never will. If you get a call from someone who’s reporting themselves to be Sheriff Mike Chitwood or Deputy John Smith, it’s a fake. It’s a fraud. And they’re out to scam you. Please don’t fall for this scam.”

Officials say the Sheriff’s Office does not call people and threaten them with arrest. If you get a suspicious call like this, hang up immediately. Never give a stranger access to your personal bank account, other financial information, your social security number, or other personal identification.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2018.

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